Duke Women Give: Building a legacy through your will or living trust

Part 1 of 3 – Duke Women Give series exploring your options to secure your future, protect your legacy and maximize your impact

In this three-part series, we’ll explore strategic gift options and introduce you to Duke alumnae who have made lasting impacts on the university through planned giving. Whether you are just starting to consider how a legacy gift can work for you, or are already working with a financial advisor or estate attorney, we are here to help.

At a time when unpredictability and rapid change are redefining our world, having financial peace of mind is an essential step toward securing your future. Through planned giving, you can advocate for the causes you care about and open doors of opportunity for yourself and others. At Duke, we understand that these decisions take into account a variety of factors, from the particulars of your life stage to identifying the tools and approaches best suited to your values and aspirations.

Building a Legacy: Wills and Living Trusts

Bequests through a will or revocable “living” trust are the most common types of planned gifts. These gifts can be designated for specific purposes, such as scholarships or unrestricted support for the places and programs at Duke that have personal resonance. Bequest gifts are flexible and allow you to retain control of your assets in case you need them.

Claire Paquin '97

Claire Paquin ’97 understands that athletics is a vital part of the university culture. As a former varsity lacrosse player, Duke athletics were an integral part of her experience. Claire and her husband, JP, have established a bequest to support Duke student-athletes. Their planned gift to Duke aligns with their interests in giving back and helps ensure the long-term success of the athletics program, the university and its mission.

“In order to improve and grow the athletic accomplishments and successes at Duke, the university needs to attract the best and brightest student-athletes. By providing financial support through a planned gift, we are helping Duke build a successful athletic program for years to come.”

Claire Paquin ’97

To learn more about the personal, charitable and tax benefits of giving to Duke, please contact:

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning
PHONE: (919) 613-1521
EMAIL: giftplanning@duke.edu
WEB: giving.duke.edu/giftplanning

Bridget Booher ’82, A.M.’92
Director, Duke Women’s Impact Network
PHONE: (919) 613-9656
EMAIL: bridget.booher@duke.edu

This information is not intended as a comprehensive list of options and is provided with the understanding that neither Duke University nor the authors are providing legal, accounting, or other professional advice or counsel. Please consult your personal counsel about the financial, tax, and legal implications of any gift.

TAGS: Charitable Giving Strategies Duke Women's Impact Network bequests wills Estate and Retirement Planning revocable (living) trusts

About the author

Gift Planning

giftplanning@duke.edu

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning specializes in charitable gift planning for estates, charitable trusts and annuities, and other complex current and future gift plans.

For more information, please contact the Duke University Office of Gift Planning at 919-681-0464 or giftplanning@duke.edu.